Obituary for Walter Dye Jr.
Walter Dye, 81, of Leavenworth, went home to be with the Lord, Feb. 21, 2020, after an extended illness. He was born Jan. 5, 1939, in Somerville, Tenn., to Walter Dye and Gladys (Cox) Dye.
Walter attended school in Tennessee and St. Louis, Mo. After completing high school, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he retired as a Sergeant First Class, after 23 years of service. During his time in the military Walter served notably in Vietnam, Turkey, Germany and Korea. A patriotic American, Walter was filled with pride when he was greeted with “thank you for your service” and hearing the National Anthem would bring tears to his eyes. In 2019, Walter participated in the Heartland honor flight with other Vietnam veterans to Washington DC. Not one to stay idle, Walter worked at the post office for a time until he completely retired to enjoy his favorite past time of hunting, fishing and watching sports. He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 1987, Walter married Roxie Whitaker and this union joined two families together and created a loving and supportive home in Leavenworth. Walter was a devout member of the Independent Missionary Baptist Church, where he attended service regularly until he became too ill to do so. Walter was well respected in the community and his absence will be deeply felt by all.
Left to celebrate his life is his wife, Roxie Whitaker-Dye; a sister, Angela Dye of St. Louis, Mo.; three sons, Robert Murrill (Gloria) of Reisterstown, Md., Terence Whitaker of Overland Park, Kan., and Kevin Whitaker of Kansas City, Kan.; a daughter, Karen Lynn Dilliehunt of Topeka, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Wendi Barnes (Karon), Robyn Murrill, David Murrill, Amalya Murrill, Whitne Dilliehunt , Taylor Briggs, Cameron Briggs, Jason Van Slyke and Lauren Van Slyke; a nephew, Wonel Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was preceded by his son; Kevin Dye; sisters; Barbara Adams and Margaret Brown and a brother; Thomas Dye
Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Independent Baptist Church. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday, at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Arrangements in care of R.L. Leintz Funeral Home.
Walter attended school in Tennessee and St. Louis, Mo. After completing high school, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he retired as a Sergeant First Class, after 23 years of service. During his time in the military Walter served notably in Vietnam, Turkey, Germany and Korea. A patriotic American, Walter was filled with pride when he was greeted with “thank you for your service” and hearing the National Anthem would bring tears to his eyes. In 2019, Walter participated in the Heartland honor flight with other Vietnam veterans to Washington DC. Not one to stay idle, Walter worked at the post office for a time until he completely retired to enjoy his favorite past time of hunting, fishing and watching sports. He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 1987, Walter married Roxie Whitaker and this union joined two families together and created a loving and supportive home in Leavenworth. Walter was a devout member of the Independent Missionary Baptist Church, where he attended service regularly until he became too ill to do so. Walter was well respected in the community and his absence will be deeply felt by all.
Left to celebrate his life is his wife, Roxie Whitaker-Dye; a sister, Angela Dye of St. Louis, Mo.; three sons, Robert Murrill (Gloria) of Reisterstown, Md., Terence Whitaker of Overland Park, Kan., and Kevin Whitaker of Kansas City, Kan.; a daughter, Karen Lynn Dilliehunt of Topeka, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Wendi Barnes (Karon), Robyn Murrill, David Murrill, Amalya Murrill, Whitne Dilliehunt , Taylor Briggs, Cameron Briggs, Jason Van Slyke and Lauren Van Slyke; a nephew, Wonel Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was preceded by his son; Kevin Dye; sisters; Barbara Adams and Margaret Brown and a brother; Thomas Dye
Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Independent Baptist Church. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday, at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Arrangements in care of R.L. Leintz Funeral Home.